Does Amazon Hire People With Misdemeanors in 2026?
The short answer is yes, Amazon does hire applicants with misdemeanors on their criminal record, depending on the specifics of the charge and conviction. If your misdemeanor was minor and occurred longer ago, your chances are fairly decent. However, recent serious misdemeanors related to theft, fraud, or violence will make getting hired very difficult.
Read on for a detailed overview of how Amazon evaluates misdemeanor records, which charges may disqualify you, tips to improve your chances, jobs to apply for, and more helpful guides to landing a position at Amazon if you have a criminal history.
How Far Back Does Amazon‘s Background Check Go?
Before diving into specific misdemeanors, it‘s important to understand Amazon‘s general background check policies. According to reports, Amazon will look back as far as 7 years into your criminal history.
This 7 year scope is standard practice across most industries and also required by the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The FCRA prohibits employers from considering non-convictions like dismissals and arrests older than 7 years when hiring.
So if you have a misdemeanor conviction that is older than 7 years, Amazon legally cannot take that into account or use it to disqualify you from employment. This clean slate policy applies even if the actual conviction never expires under state law.
The same 7 year limit goes for charges you were arrested for but never convicted of. For example, if you were arrested 9 years ago for a drunk and disorderly charge but found not guilty, Amazon cannot consider that outdated arrest.
However, a small number of states do allow lookups beyond 7 years for jobs in healthcare, education, law enforcement and other fields that require extra security. But for general warehouse, delivery and office roles at Amazon, you can expect a maximum 7 year screening.
Here are some quick background check facts and statistics:
- 93% of employers do criminal background checks on applicants according to HR data
- Checks cost $25-$50 per person on average
- Processing and review takes 2-4 weeks in most cases
- Nearly 9 in 10 companies consider background results when hiring
- Around 92% will reject applicants with certain criminal histories
So in summary – Amazon will look back around 7 years for misdemeanor and felony convictions, arrests, dismissed charges, and pending cases. Anything older cannot legally be considered in their hiring decision.
Misdemeanors Amazon Is Most Likely To Overlook
You may be wondering what types of misdemeanors Amazon is most likely to overlook when making hiring decisions.
The truth is misdemeanors are not all equally concerning in the eyes of employers. Some indicate relatively minor mistakes or youthful indiscretions that don‘t necessarily reflect someone‘s true character. Others suggest ongoing issues with violence, dishonesty, and negligence that make an applicant high risk.
According to business and HR experts, here are 5 of the most common misdemeanors employers often don‘t consider automatic disqualifiers:
1. Minor Traffic Violations
Offenses like speeding, failure to signal, expired registration or plates, broken tail light, and illegal parking are all civil infractions or low-level misdemeanors. While breaking traffic laws is never recommended, these types of moving and non-moving violations won‘t seriously damage your Amazon hiring chances on their own. They are extremely common, rarely involve actual harm or damages, and are not directly related to Amazon‘s workplace duties.
2. Disturbing the Peace
Misdemeanor disturbing the peace charges can include hosting noisy parties, playing loud music, public arguing or vulgarity, and minor scuffles that don‘t lead to injury or lasting harm. While obviously unprofessional behavior, these “nuisance crimes” don‘t necessarily indicate a violent, unstable, or deceitful personality unfit for employment. Most employers would tolerate them, especially if dated and isolated.
3. Trespassing
Criminal trespassing involves being present on private property without permission from the owner. The exact circumstances and location matter significantly though. Just walking through your neighbor‘s backyard once as a prank in high school is very different from repeatedly sneaking onto commercial property as an adult.
Either way, isolated and minor trespassing misdemeanors from longer ago probably won‘t be deal-breakers at Amazon.
4. Disorderly Conduct
Disorderly conduct misdemeanors cover a wide range of disruptive public behavior that causes offence like public drunkenness, aggressive panhandling, excessive noise, and lewd conduct.
While obviously inappropriate, these charges generally reflect immaturity and lack of judgement, not permanent character flaws that would impair job performance. Most applicants could overcome them.
5. Petty Theft
Perhaps surprisingly, petit theft or petty larceny misdemeanors also tend not to be automatic hiring disqualifiers for many employers, Amazon included. Depending on the state, petty theft may be defined as stealing items under $500 or $1000 in value. While no company wants to hire thieves, petty theft is considered more of a reckless youthful mistake than hardened criminality. The perfect job candidate wouldn‘t have one, but it‘s not a deal breaker either.
Those are 5 of the most commonplace low-level misdemeanors that likely won‘t sabotage your Amazon application on their own, especially if dated. However, there are still no guarantees, and much depends on the totality of your background and how you explain the incidents.
But which misdemeanors are almost guaranteed to eliminate your chances with Amazon? Keep reading to find out.
Misdemeanors That May Disqualify You From Amazon Jobs
On the other hand, there are certain misdemeanors that will almost always instantly disqualify you from Amazon employment:
- Theft/larceny – Higher level theft beyond petty that suggests dishonesty and untrustworthiness. Also theft from a previous employer.
- Fraud – Crimes involving financial deception like identity theft, forgery, embezzlement. Unacceptable for a business.
- Assault/Battery – Any charges involving violence, physical harm, and endangerment of others. Indicates propensity for aggression.
- Destruction of Property – Vandalism, arson, damages demonstrates lack of self-control and respect for others’ property.
- Indecent Exposure – Public lewdness or nudity charges violate public decency laws. Concerning for any employer.
- Drug Distribution – Possession with intent to sell or trafficking controlled substances. Worse than personal use.
- Multiple DUIs – Indicates reckless tendencies and substance abuse issues. Especially concerning for driving roles.
- Domestic Violence – Physical abuse charges suggest volatility. Zero tolerance among most employers.
Let‘s explore these concerning misdemeanors in more detail:
Theft and Fraud
Given that Amazon is a massive retailer, the company has zero tolerance for any applicant with a recent history of theft, larceny, embezzlement, forgery or employee dishonesty. These behaviors directly undermine the trust required between employer and staff handling merchandise and finances. One mistake can be overlooked with time, but repeat issues indicate an untrustworthy personality unfit for hiring.
Violence and Harm
Physical assault, domestic violence, battery, arson, and vandalism charges should automatically disqualify you from Amazon jobs where staff safety is paramount. Even a single violent misdemeanor conviction suggests a capacity for harm and aggression that makes applicants too high risk for hiring from a liability standpoint. Some exceptions may be made for very dated, isolated youthful incidents. But recent issues almost always result in rejection.
Drug Distribution Crimes
Misdemeanors for possessing or distributing controlled substances without a prescription are also almost guaranteed to eliminate your chances with Amazon. Personal use may potentially be overlook in some cases, but intent to sell indicates deep-rooted issues with criminality and addiction that render applicants unfit for duty in the eyes of most employers.
Indecent Exposure
Public lewdness, nudity, and indecent exposure misdemeanors violate community standards of decency and demonstrate poor impulse control and decision making. Amazon wants to foster a professional environment and will be highly wary of applicants with these types of public sexual offenses in their recent background.
DUIs
For driving positions, multiple misdemeanor DUIs demonstrate reckless tendencies and substance abuse that make applicants high risk liabilities behind the wheel. Driving is already statistically dangerous. Combining that with impaired drivers multiply the risks of accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Expect driving roles to have very high standards of clean driving histories.
So in summary, misdemeanors involving dishonesty, violence, negligence, or substance abuse are almost guaranteed to get your application rejected by Amazon. The risks are simply too high from a business standpoint.
On the other hand, minor misdemeanors like traffic tickets, noise disturbances, and petty theft have a better chance of being overlooked in many cases. But again, there are never any guarantees with criminal records.
Does Amazon Automatically Disqualify Felonies?
Felonies are more serious than misdemeanors, and involve crimes punishable by over 1 year in prison. Due to liability and security concerns, Amazon does not hire anyone convicted of a felony in the past 7 years.
After 7 years, applicants with felonies may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Factors like the nature of the crime, time elapsed, and rehabilitation efforts can outweigh the conviction with the proper context.
But ultimately felonies pose enough risks of reoffending that Amazon reserves the right to disqualify anyone with a serious criminal record based on their background check findings.
Will Amazon Re-Hire Former Employees With New Misdemeanors?
If you previously worked at Amazon but have a new misdemeanor conviction since separating, will they still re-hire you? In most cases, yes, as long as your work record was positive.
Amazon‘s rehiring policies are focused primarily on your prior performance with the company. Having a misdemeanor does not automatically prohibit getting re-hired. You may need to explain the circumstances, especially if job-related, but a single minor charge is unlikely to negate an otherwise strong employment history.
However, if you were terminated from Amazon for misconduct before acquiring a new misdemeanor, your chances of re-employment drop significantly. In that case, the misdemeanor becomes one more red flag against re-hiring you.
The advantage that former employees have is that Amazon already knows their work ethic and abilities based on direct experience. That gives you a bit more leeway if your background check turns up a new low-level misdemeanor.
Should You Disclose Misdemeanors to Amazon Upfront?
Trying to hide prior misdemeanor convictions from employers is never advisable. With Amazon‘s rigorous background checks, any attempt at omission or deception will surely backfire. You stand the best chance of being hired if you voluntarily disclose your record early.
Many job applications provide a section where you can indicate past charges and convictions. Answer honestly here, fully explaining the nature, date, and outcome of the case. Be concise but don‘t misrepresent or make excuses.
During interviews, briefly mention the misdemeanor again. Take responsibility for your actions, express regret, and highlight personal growth and lessons learned over the years since.
This shows Amazon that you are transparent, mature enough to acknowledge mistakes, and accountable for your past. Attempts to conceal almost guarantee rejection once uncovered. Dishonesty raises immediate red flags.
Hiring managers may ask clarifying questions about the case, so know details well in advance. Keep answers brief, calm and focused on reassuring Amazon of your suitability despite the record.
Can Expunging Misdemeanors Improve Your Chances?
Expunging or sealing eligible misdemeanor convictions can significantly improve your chances by preventing the charges from appearing on background checks. Requirements vary by state but often include:
- 5 to 7 years since conviction
- No felony record
- Completion of any sentencing
- Payment of all fines
- No pending charges
If you meet these criteria, consult an attorney about pursuing an expungement order from a state judge. This essentially gives you a clean slate when applying to Amazon.
However, be aware Amazon may still ask you to sign an authorization form voluntarily allowing them to view sealed records. So don‘t attempt to hide expunged cases if asked or it could destroy trust.
Sample Amazon Jobs For Applicants With Misdemeanors
While your options are more limited with a record, some Amazon positions are more realistic possibilities if qualified:
- Warehouse Associate – Entry level order picking and packing roles. Requires drug screening.
- Delivery Driver – Drops off packages locally. Clean driving record is a must.
- Customer Service – Phone or online support assisting Amazon users with orders and accounts.
- Data Entry – Clerical work inputting information. Limited customer interaction.
- Content Reviewer – Evaluate videos, websites, posts for policy compliance. Remote.
- Fulfillment Center Manager – Entry level warehouse supervisor role. Leadership potential required.
These hands-on roles don‘t require the highest security clearance and involve less public interaction. As long as your background check is reasonably clean past the 7 years scope, they make viable employment targets.
Strategies To Get Hired At Amazon With A Record
Here are some expert tips to boost your chances of successfully getting hired at Amazon if you have prior misdemeanor convictions:
- Disclose everything upfront before the check catches you hiding something. Transparency is key.
- Emphasize positive life changes post-conviction – education, family, hobbies, rehabilitation, community service.
- Highlight your qualifications and eagerness to work hard and follow rules.
- Provide strong professional and personal references to vouch for your reliability.
- Expect to start in entry level roles and earn promotions through dedication.
- Research local labor laws on background checks to understand your rights and options.
- Expunge eligible misdemeanors through an attorney if allowed in your state.
- Target Amazon positions most open to workers with past records. See examples above.
- Frame convictions positively – admit mistakes, express remorse, discuss lessons learned.
- Maintain a positive, cooperative attitude throughout the interview process.
With the right record, transparency, attitude and qualifications, an Amazon job is still very possible despite having made some past missteps.
Can You Appeal If Your Misdemeanor Causes A Rejection?
If Amazon declines to hire you based on your disclosed misdemeanor history, you may request additional details on their decision and also file a formal appeal. This gives you a chance to make your case.
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you have the right to be informed of any background check findings leading to rejection. If your misdemeanor came up, ask for more specifics.
To appeal, explain in writing why you feel the decision was unfair or incorrect:
- Charge is outdated or expunged
- Conviction was minor and situational
- You‘ve changed considerably as a person since
- Charge is irrelevant to the type of work
- Strong employment history since
Provide additional evidence like employment references, rehabilitation records, recent credit reports, educational achievements or volunteer work.
While appeals do work occasionally, also expect them to be uphill battles. Still, it‘s worth professionally advocating for yourself if you know the misdemeanor shouldn‘t disqualify you.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, Amazon does hire some people with past misdemeanor records, especially minor ones from longer ago. Recent serious convictions will be disqualifying in most cases though.
To maximize your chances, target relevant entry level roles, be transparent about your history, highlight your qualifications and growth, obtain strong references, and maintain a positive attitude.
Getting hired anywhere with a record requires persistence and a willingness to start in more basic jobs and work your way upwards through dedication. But if you have the right mix of transparency, patience, and qualifications, an Amazon career is still attainable.
Just remember – your past mistakes alone do not define you as a person or potential employee. We all make poor choices when young and deserve second chances. Learn from the experience and let it guide you towards better decisions in the future. Stay positive and keep applying anywhere you feel you would excel.
